APPROACHES: The social learning theory Flashcards
What is the social learning theory?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theories with cognitive factors.
who proposed the (SLT)?
Albert Bandura
what is modelling?
Modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. The learner most importantly observes the consequences of a behaviour-Imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished.
What are mediational processes?
cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
What are the 4 mediational processes identified by Bandura?
-attention
-retention
-motor reproduction
-motivation
what is attention?
the extent to which we notice behaviours.
what is retention?
how well the behaviour is remembered
what is motor reproduction?
the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
what is motivation?
the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.
Bandura et al 1961
recorded the behaviour of children watching a video of an adult aggressively behaving towards a bobo doll
the children were later observed playing- they behaved aggressively towards the bobo doll
what does bandura et al 1961 demonstrate?
Imitation- the children imitate the adult.
Bandura and Walters 1963
B &W showed a video of adult behaving aggressively towards bobo doll.
Group 1 children: saw the adults and praised them for the behaviour
Group 2 children: saw the adults and punished for their aggression towards the doll, by being told off.
Group 3 children: watched the video with no consequence.
what does bandura and walters experiment illustrate?
vicarious reinforcement as behaviour and consequences are observed.
What are the STRENGTHS of SLT?
- recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning - Bandura says that it is more sufficient than classical or operant conditioning by recognising the mediational processes.
SOFT DETERMINISM: vicarious reinforcement proves that we have free will and we choose to perform the behaviours . contrasts with behaviourist approach
REAL world application: SLT is able to explain cultural differences in behaviour.SLT principles such as modelling and imitation can tell us how children learn from the environment around them, the media.. explaining how cultural norms are trnasmitted.
